1,000 Days, 1,000 Families
A remarkable milestone in Philadelphia’s history, in March 2006 the Red Cross House, a one-of-a-kind facility, served its 1,000th family, 3,455 adults and children. In an average of just 21 days, families rescued from the brink of homelessness recover and reclaim their independent lives. This stable and supportive environment is designed to meet all of their needs as they move through the recovery process.
Like so many others, the Red Cross House was there for the Fieldings, our 1,000th family, in their hour of greatest need. In March, when a fire broke out on the second floor of their North Philadelphia home, the Red Cross provided Mitchell Fielding and his five children, Ronnell, Ronnie, Samuel, Jason and Howbie with solace, comfort, and a chance to begin anew.
“Without the Red Cross, I don't know where my kids and I would be. I consider myself lucky because of the opportunity I’ve been given.”
Like the families before them, they called the facility home while they got back on their feet. Mr. Fielding said, “WITHOUT THE RED CROSS, I DON’T KNOW WHERE MY KIDS AND I WOULD BE. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY BECAUSE OF THE OPPORTUNITY I’VE BEEN GIVEN.”
At the Red Cross House caseworkers helped Mr. Fielding get in touch with contractors and service providers to make repairs to his home. “Kindness from the Red Cross and its employees has made our story a success. And all I can say is thank you,” said Mr. Fielding.
A place where lives are rebuilt, hope is restored, and families are empowered to get back to their everyday lives on their own terms – that’s the Red Cross House.
For more information on this model in disaster relief and recovery, visit:
www.redcross-philly.org/redcrosshouse2006.htm
